Isle of Wight Historic Churches Gazetteer

St Olave's Church, Gatcombe, dates to the 13th century. Highlights include the wooden effigy of a crusading knight, and a medieval grotesque carved head over the porch entrance. The church featured in the time-travelling legend of Lucy Lightfoot, a story invented by the local rector.
Gatcombe Road, Gatcombe, Isle of Wight, England, PO30 3EJ

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Heritage Highlight: Wooden effigy of a medieval crusader

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This 14th-century church is famous for its medieval 'Lily Cross', a 15th-century wall painting of Christ crucified on a lily plant. There are superb memorials to the Worsley family of Appuldurcombe.
Church Hill, Godshill, Isle of Wight, England, PO38 3HY

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Heritage Highlight: 15th-century wall painting of Christ crucified on a Lily

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A 12th-century church rebuilt in the 15th century and heavily restored in the Victorian period. Part of the font is 12th century, and there is a 1674 memorial to the wife of the lord of the manor at Mottistone. Look for the parclose screen erected by the 2nd Lord Mottistone for his father, General Jack Seely.
Mottistone Village, Mottistone, Isle of Wight, England, PO30 4ED

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The 11th-century parish church of Niton boasts a Norman font, but the highlight is an exceptional monument to George Arnold (d. 1806) by the famed Georgian sculptor John Flaxman. Other highlights include a 17th-century chair and the base of a medieval churchyard cross.
Church Street, Niton, Isle of Wight, England, PO38 2BT

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Heritage Highlight: 11th-century font

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Shalfleet's 12th-century parish church boasts an exceptional Norman tympanum depicting a man with two strange beasts, perhaps lions. Other highlights include a sturdy Norman tower that looks like a castle keep, and a pair of 13th-century grave slabs.
1 Church Lane, Shalfleet, Isle of Wight, England, PO30 4NF

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Heritage Highlight: 12-century tynmpanum

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For much of its existence, St Blasius Church in Shanklin was a family chapel for the lords of Shanklin manor. It is primarily a 12th-century building, enlarged in the Victorian period. Highlights include a 13th-century font, a carved Tudor chest, and memorials to generations of the Popham family.
Church Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, England, PO37 6QY

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century font

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Shorwell's parish church holds an exceptional arraty of historical treasures, including a 15th-century wall painting of St Christopher, two Tudor brasses, and an oustanding collection of 17th-century memorial to members of the Leigh family. Also look for a rare 1541 Cranmer Bible.
Main Road, Shorwell, Isle of Wight, England, PO30 3JL

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Heritage Highlight: 15th-century St Christopher wall painting

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The Victorian church of St Lawrence (not to be confused with St Lawrence Old Church) was built in 1867 by Sir George Gilbert Scott and boasts a stunning collection of Pre-Raphaelite stained glass designed by William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Ford Madox Brown, and William Reynolds-Stephens.
Undercliffe Drive, St Lawrence, Isle of Wight, England, PO38 1XJ

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Heritage Highlight: Superb Pre-Raphaelite stained glass

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This delightful 12th-century church was once the smallest in England. Look for a 1663 royal coat of arms, a 15th-century holy water stoup, and an ancient bell from Appuldurcombe Priory.
Seven Sisters Road, St Lawrence, Isle of Wight, England, PO38 1XH

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Heritage Highlight: 1663 royal coat of arms

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This remarkable 19th-century church is a magnet for anyone interested in Queen Victoria and her reign. The queen and her royal household worshipped here when residing at Osborne House, and the queen's chair has been preserved. Princess Beatrice was married and buried here beside her husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg.
Beatrice Avenue, Whippingham, Isle of Wight, England, PO32 6LW

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Heritage Highlight: Queen Victoria's chair

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